Internet Services USGS New England WSC ME and NH

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the installation of dedicated internet access (DIA) services for two United States Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center (WSC) offices: one in Augusta, Maine, and one in Pembroke, New Hampshire. The service aims to provide reliable internet connectivity to support scientific studies, data collection, and daily operations at these locations.

• Service Type: Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) via fiber optic media.

• Bandwidth: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) symmetrical Ethernet.

• Installation: Initial installation, including underground conduit, circuit extension to a secondary demarc, and provision of necessary hardware and software.

• Connectivity: Interoperability with IPv6 and IPv4 systems, with a Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 interface and a secondary RJ-45 for testing.

• IP Addressing: Provision of a subnet of static IP addresses.

• Network Management: Service must permit transit of all IP protocols without bandwidth restrictions or throttling.

• Support: 24x7x365 access to Network Operations Center (NOC) support for outages and troubleshooting.

• Service Level Agreement (SLA): Provider must supply an SLA detailing circuit availability, delivery, latency, and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).

• Deliverables: Account number, circuit identifier, NOC support contact information, circuit test results, and authorized SLA.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but appears to be a task order under a larger contract.

• Period of Performance: Base year (05/01/2026 - 04/30/2027) with four option years for each location.

• Estimated Value: Not stated in the provided pages.

• Submission: Offers must be submitted by the date specified in the solicitation (04/13/2026 at 1700 CD). Specific submission instructions are detailed in FAR 52.212-1.

• Evaluation: Offers will be evaluated based on price and other factors, with the goal of awarding to the responsible offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government. The evaluation criteria will include technical capability, price, and past performance.

• The acquisition is currently marked as UNRESTRICTED.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses by reference, including those related to commercial products and services, system for award management, and supply chain security.

• Contact for questions: Kimberly Schneider (kimberly_schneider@ios.doi.gov).

• Electronic invoicing via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Requirements Statement per Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. It details the standards and criteria that ICT products and services must meet to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

• Electronic Content (E205): Specifies compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA standards for both public-facing and agency official communications. Includes word substitution guidance for non-Web documents.
• Hardware (E206): Requires ICT hardware with user interfaces to conform to specific requirements.
• Support Documentation and Services (E208): Mandates that support documentation and services for ICT must also meet accessibility standards.
• Functional Performance Criteria (E302): Details specific functional requirements for ICT to accommodate users with various disabilities, including vision, hearing, speech, manipulation, reach, strength, and cognitive/learning abilities.
• Instructions to Offerors: Requires bidders to submit an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) Version 2.1 or later. The ACR must detail how each ICT item meets Section 508 requirements, with specific explanations for conformance or non-conformance.
• Acceptance Criteria: The government reserves the right to test ICT items to validate Section 508 conformance claims and may require remediation if claims are inaccurate.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the mandatory accessibility requirements for any Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offered. Bidders must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with Section 508 standards by submitting a detailed ACR using the VPAT. Failure to meet these requirements or accurately report conformance may impact proposal evaluation and contract acceptance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, FAR 52.212-3, "Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," is a standard provision that requires offerors to provide specific representations and certifications regarding their business status and compliance with various federal regulations. It is crucial for determining offeror eligibility and compliance with acquisition requirements.

• Annual Representations and Certifications: Offerors must either have completed these electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) or complete the relevant sections of this provision.
• Business Size and Status: Includes representations for small business, veteran-owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), small disadvantaged business (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB), and HUBZone small business concerns. Joint venture representations are also included.
• Country of Origin and Buy American: Requires certifications related to the origin of end products, including adherence to Buy American Act, Free Trade Agreements, and Israeli Trade Act provisions.
• Responsibility Matters: Certifications regarding debarment, suspension, proposed debarment, criminal or civil judgments, and delinquent Federal taxes.
• Child Labor: Certification regarding the use of forced or indentured child labor in the mining, production, or manufacture of end products.
• Inverted Domestic Corporations: Representation regarding status as an inverted domestic corporation.
• Iran Sanctions: Representation and certification regarding activities related to Iran.
• Ownership or Control: Information about the offeror's immediate and highest-level owners.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Required for reporting and debt collection purposes.
• Restricted Business Operations in Sudan: Certification that the offeror does not conduct restricted business operations in Sudan.
• Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services: Representation concerning the use of certain telecommunications equipment and services.

Bidders must carefully review and accurately complete all applicable sections of this provision. Failure to provide accurate representations and certifications can lead to disqualification or ineligibility for contract award. The information provided here directly impacts the evaluation of the offeror's compliance and eligibility for the specific contract opportunity.